Bellamy Young apologizes for weighing in on Ryan Seacrest scandal

Bellamy Young has apologized to Ryan Seacrest for suggesting he should “step aside” from his red carpet hosting gig at the Academy Awards following unproven allegations of sexual misconduct.

The Scandal star made her comments about the American Idol host on Monday at the premiere of A Wrinkle in Time in Los Angeles after being asked about the Variety article which detailed former E! hairstylist Suzie Hardy’s accusations of the star’s alleged sexual harassment. Ryan has denied all allegations and, earlier this month, network E! announced that after a lengthy investigation it had found insufficient evidence of wrongdoing.

“I apologize to Ryan Seacrest,” Bellamy said in a statement to The Hollywood Reporter (THR). “He has been exonerated from the allegations I was told about on the carpet, so my opinion is different now.”

The 48-year-old admitted to THR that she called for E! to pull Ryan from their Academy Awards coverage without knowing the full story. “On Monday night on the red carpet, I spoke on record about something I had no first hand knowledge of,” the actress continued. “I trusted that the information that the journalist provided me with was complete, and I gave my general opinion based on the information he provided.”

I was misinformed last night. Below are my more informed thoughts. Thank you for taking a moment to read them. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/5T5ho076sf

When asked about Ryan at the premiere, Bellamy had said that she thought he should step down and “let someone of equal talent that is beyond reproach to be in charge,” of co-hosting E!’s red carpet coverage of the Academy Awards.

However, she continued her statement by saying: “I spoke up because I feel deeply that the secrecy of shame plays a significant part in what has kept this shift from happening before now. But never has there been a more urgent time to make sure our voices are used for truth, and I failed in that regard Monday night.”

On Tuesday Ryan, 43, responded to the former stylist’s accusations and Bellamy’s comments, insisting he will be part of the network’s Oscars red carpet coverage, and he won’t be giving up his American Idol hosting job amid the scandal.